Abstract Introduction: Recruitment of potential blood donors from a younger age group is a good effort because they would be in good health and may have a long journey in blood donation. This study evaluated the motivating and deterring factors for donating blood among blood donors, who are students pursuing higher education. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a set of questionnaires, involving 391 students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The research tool was adapted and modified, as well as validated and pilot-tested to ensure its validity and reliability. Data were analysed using the SPSS and Stata software. Results: The most highly rated motivating factor for donating blood was to help others and to create a good practice (98%). The motivating factor of being interested in a blood donation campaign was highly rated by female respondents (87%) compared to male respondents (79.1%). The most highly rated deterring factor was the dislike for skipping a class to donate blood (30.9%), which was highly rated as a positive response by female blood donors (35.1%). There was a significant difference between the motivating factors (p = 0.043) and the deterring factors (p = 0.011), as seen between gender. Items that have the logo of the blood donation centre, such as T-shirts, towels, mugs or bags are rated as the most attractive incentive (87%). Conclusion: Altruism was the main reason for young blood donors choosing to donate blood. Social media usage should be considered when promoting blood donation campaigns to this age group.